Mount Fuji climbers typically exhibit six patterns of behaviors, ranging from a safe hike following an overnight stay to a dangerous daytrip with little rest, according to a company survey.
Authentic Japan Co., which offers Cocoheli radio-based search support service for those stranded in the mountains, surveyed 3,846 people who took the popular Yoshida trail last season after new entry restrictions were introduced.
A gate at the fifth station was closed from 4 p.m. to 3 a.m. to prevent reckless all-night “bullet climbing” during the climbing season between July 1 and Sept. 10.
Climbers were also charged 2,000 yen ($13) in entry fees to combat overtourism on the 3,776-meter mountain, the nation’s tallest peak.
The survey participants carried Cocoheli radio transmitters.
Fukuoka-based Authentic Japan analyzed their ascent and descent speeds, staying time and other details based on location data of the devices. The results were released on Jan. 16.
The survey identified three behavioral patterns among those who stayed at a mountain hut.
Some lodged along the trail on the first day, scaled the summit and descended the mountain, while others chose to descend the following day without moving on to the peak.
Still others stayed at the Sato Goya hut at the fifth station on the first day, departed in the early hours and reached the mountaintop.
The third group can take a good rest at the hut and walk while avoiding the strong sun, Authentic Japan said.
There were also three patterns among those who did not stay on the mountain.
Some descended by sunset after scaling the summit, while others headed down halfway through.
Still others managed to climb to the top but could not come back until late in the night.
A slow walker, who took frequent long breaks, barely avoided an accident, Authentic Japan said.
It generally took about 10 hours for climbers to return after reaching the summit.
The fastest walker made the trip in 3 hours and 26 minutes.
Sakiko Miyauchi, who analyzed the survey data at Authentic Japan, said the first entry restrictions introduced by Yamanashi Prefecture were generally appropriate.
She said there are advantages in staying or resting at a hut on the fifth station without walking any distance on the first day.
Miyauchi said it is expected to further reduce congestion and ensure safety if climbers are allowed to pass through the gate from 11 p.m. if they rest at a hut on the fifth station for five hours or more.
AloJapan.com